‘No indication of increase in militant recruitment during ceasefire: GoC

United News of India/Srinagar
Asserting that people of Kashmir have responded well to the Centre’s announcement of Non-Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) during month of Ramazan, a top Army official said the attacks on security forces have increased due to frustration among the militants.
General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Srinagar-based Chinar Corps, Lt General A K Bhatt said some peace has been achieved due to NICO in the valley.
However, Lt Gen Bhatt said “Pakistan is still trying to push militants from across the Line of Control (LoC) into the valley though troops are deployed at the borders to stop any infiltration bid.”
“After ceasefire the people are living in a peaceful atmosphere and they (people) have responded well to NICO. So we will be happy if during these 30 days of Ramazan there was no civilian casualty,” Lt Gen Bhatt told reporters after inaugurating Kashmir Super 30 (Medical) project to provide state-of-the-art educational facilities for the medical aspirants of the valley.
“Pakistan is still trying to infiltrate militants into this side of LoC. But our troops are deployed everywhere along the LoC to stop any infiltration bid,” he added.
Replying to a question, Lt Gen Bhatt said the decision to extend ceasefire against militants will be taken by the government. “Whatever the government decides, we will adhere to it,” he added.
Talking about increase in militant attacks and rifle snatching bid, the GOC said they (militants) are doing it out of frustration.
But, he said police in several incidents have effectively foiled the rifle stanching bids last months.
Answering a question whether there were any apprehensions that militant recruitment increased during the ceasefire, he said there are no indication as such at the movement.